high riskVisa helpFake visa agents
Scam agents advertise on social media, charge high fees and make false promises about visas. Some take your money and never lodge the application, or add false documents that put your visa at risk.
Red flags and what to do
- They promise a guaranteed visa or a faster decision
- They are not on the OMARA register and are not an Australian lawyer
- They suggest working in Australia without the right visa
- They give you little or no information about your application
- Search the agent's name or MARN on the OMARA register of migration agents
- Ask for your application details and check your status with Home Affairs yourself
- Report suspected visa scams to Home Affairs through Border Watch
Unregistered recruiting agents
Illegal agents advertise high-paying overseas jobs on social media and take large fees, then the job does not exist or is not as promised. Recruiting for overseas jobs without a valid MEA licence is punishable under the Emigration Act, 1983.
Red flags and what to do
- The agent cannot give a valid recruiting agent licence number
- The agent is not listed on the eMigrate portal
- Jobs are advertised only on social media with very high pay
- Service charges are well above what the Protector of Emigrants allows
- Verify the agent's registration on the eMigrate portal and note the licence number
- Contact the foreign employer directly to confirm the offer letter
- Report illegal agents on eMigrate or call the toll-free helpline 1800 11 3090
Fake rental listings
Scammers copy photos and real addresses into fake listings, often saying they live overseas or interstate. They ask for bond and rent up front by money transfer to secure the place, then disappear.
Red flags and what to do
- The landlord is overseas and keeps finding reasons you cannot inspect
- You are asked for bond and a month's rent before signing anything
- Payment must go by money transfer or direct deposit to a person
- The rent is well below similar homes nearby
- Inspect in person, or ask someone you trust to inspect for you
- In Victoria, ask to pay the bond directly to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- Reverse-search the listing photos and report scams to Scamwatch
Fake jobs and paid sponsorship
Scammers post fake jobs or pose as recruiters, then ask for a recruitment fee, training costs or a top-up to unlock earnings. Some fake employers sell visa sponsorship, which is unlawful in Australia.
Red flags and what to do
- You are asked to pay for sponsorship, nomination or recruitment costs
- Contact comes out of the blue on WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram
- You are hired fast with no interview or reference checks
- Pay is high for little effort or no experience
- Never pay upfront by bank transfer, PayID or crypto for a job
- Verify the recruiter using a phone number you find yourself
- Report sponsorship payment requests to Home Affairs Border Watch and scams to Scamwatch
Visa appointment sellers
Touts and local agents claim they can get you an early visa appointment or interview slot for a fee. Appointments are booked only through the official system, and agents have no power to schedule interviews or influence decisions.
Red flags and what to do
- Someone sells a 'confirmed' or early appointment slot
- An agent says they can influence the interview or decision
- You are asked to pay outside the official booking site
- They want your passport number and login details
- Book appointments yourself through the embassy's official booking route
- Pay only official fees shown on the embassy or government website
- Report touts to the embassy's fraud contact